Yes, You Can Reverse Gingivitis: Here’s Why You Should
Apr 07, 2025
About half of American adults have gingivitis today, so you're not alone in struggling with issues such as gum irritation, bleeding gums when you brush, or bad breath.
Experienced dentist Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, brings more than 25 years of medical experience to her role. Dr. Wilmore and our caring team offer expert periodontics to patients in Houston, Texas, diagnosing and treating periodontal diseases like gingivitis and gum disease.
We also specialize in preventive dentistry, in which we help our patients avoid complications and even reverse dental disease. Because gingivitis is such a common concern for many patients, we're dedicating this month's blog to this frustrating gum disease — including an explanation of how you can reverse it.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease (periodontal disease). It develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and irritation. If you don't thoroughly remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, causing further irritation.
As the most common form of periodontal disease, gingivitis affects millions of people, often without them realizing it. Many assume occasional mild gum bleeding or bad breath is normal.
But these symptoms are early warning signs that your gums need attention. With proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, you can stop gingivitis in its tracks before it worsens into a more severe form of gum disease. That starts with recognizing the signs.
Catching gingivitis early is crucial. If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to go to the dentist:
Ignoring these signs can allow the condition to progress to the next stage of gum disease, leading to irreversible damage.
Ignoring gingivitis can have serious consequences. Without treatment, the inflammation can spread beneath the gumline, leading to periodontitis. This advanced stage of gum disease causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums, trapping bacteria and leading to infection.
Over time, the infection destroys the bone and tissue supporting the teeth, leading to severe gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.
Those are just the oral health consequences of periodontitis. Studies show untreated periodontitis can lead to serious bodywide conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and respiratory infections. New research shows that treating periodontitis may even improve the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.
What does all of this mean for you? The bottom line is that you can reverse gingivitis with prompt dental treatment so you don't have to worry about irreversible damage to your health later.
The key to reversing gingivitis is consistency. Some of the tips our team may recommend include:
Dr. Wilmore may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash and other measures to help reverse gingivitis and protect your oral health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, it’s time to take action. At the practice of Heather M. Wilmore, DDS, we're ready to help you turn it around and reclaim healthy gums and teeth. Call our office today at 713-266-4222 to schedule an appointment.